1MDB debate: 'Show you're brave and you're real men' - Zahid

The debate on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) between 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy and Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua is an opportunity for both to show they are brave and are real men in seeking the truth on the state of the strategic investment company.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said if Pua wanted the 1MDB issue to end well, he should make good use of the platform for a debate on the issue and not flip flop.

"If you dare issue a challenge, you should pay in 'cash', that is, by being brave and sincere and not cloud that challenge.

"Don't give excuses in order to escape or exit yourself," he told reporters in reference to Pua over the debate challenge, after chairing a High-Level Committee Meeting on Border Security Agencies, here, today.

Last Saturday, Arul Kanda stated his agreement to debate with Pua without any condition, after withdrewing the earlier condition given for Pua to quit as a member of the Public Accounts Committee.

Ahmad Zahid believed that as a professional, Arul Kanda would be able to answer any question posed to him by Pua and give a clear picture of the 1MDB issue.

"Need to find a different approach to clear the air and this (by Arul) will give a real picture of what happened, not by twisting facts on the issue raised and repeatedly.

"With an open debate carried live, show that you are brave and you are real men," he said.

On Radio Televisyen Malaysia's (RTM) willingness to provide a live broadcast on the 1MDB debate, Ahmad Zahid said it was apt.

"There's no problem, if they want it live," he added.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak had on Oct 29, said that RTM was prepared to provide a live broadcast on the debate, hence also proving the ministry's openness.